The use of non intrinsically safe and non flameproof cameras and photographic equipment is illegal except in very controlled circumstances in UK coal mines. This is due to the occurrence of methane gas, which is an extremely explosive gas. All electrical equipment used in a mine is tested and certified for use in this environment.
Whilst working underground as a faceworker, heading man and later a deputy at Whitemoor Mine, Karl Jarrett sketched his underground environment and the jobs he worked on in his note book. You can see from the artworks below that he captured the very difficult, hot and dangerous conditions we all worked in.
Below are the memories of Karl when he worked at Fryston Colliery and Whitemoor Mine.
I started at Fryston Colliery in 1980 aged 16. My job was supplying materials to the coal faces and headings in the Beeston seam.
In 1982, aged 18, I completed my coalface training. I then became part of a heading team developing the underground roadways.
Changing shearer cable on 33s. 1982.
Fryston Colliery snap time stopping the belts. 1982.
Holman Borer, Fryston Colliery 86s heading. 1982.
Making stub heading for area borers in 76s Tailgate. Fryston Colliery. 1983.
During 1984-85 I was on strike with the N.U.M. and went picketing almost every day.
Our brave Boys in Blue. 1984.
In 1985 when the year long strike finished we all marched back to work behind the Fryston Branch Union Banner.
In the same year the Beeston seam closed due to a fire on 76s face. Due to the loss of the Beeston seam I started working in an advanced heading on 25s coalface in the Flockton seam.
Carrying a Cruciform on 25s. 1985.
In 1986 Fryston Colliery closed and I was transferred to Gascoigne Wood on loan from Whitemoor Mine for 8 weeks.
When I transferred to Whitemoor Mine in 1986 I became a roadheader machine driver working as part of a heading team.
Holing through to Riccall Mine. 1986.
Tank slit at Whitemoor Mine. 1986.
Whitemoor/ Riccall Mine Connection. 1987.
Dalek at Riccall Bunker. 1988.
Whitemoor dragging beam. 1988.
In 1988 I completed my Rescue Training and became a part time Mines Rescue Brigadesman at Whitemoor Mine.
In 1990 I started working on coal faces as a Shearer driver.
Whitemoor Mine H624s face salvaging hydraulic props. 1992.
Tailgate from Hell. Whitemoor Mine. 1995
I completed my command supervisors (deputies) qualification and worked as Deputy for about a year before retiring due to health problems in 1998.
All my mining drawings are real places where I’ve worked and events I’ve seen or been part of and have been drawn from memory and sketches I did at the time.
Karl
Many thanks to Karl for giving me his time, his memories and access to his amazing artworks.
Selby Superpit 